Ott releases are taking over the Indian film scene, with new movies and series coming out each day, it is quite difficult to choose what to watch as the innumerable choices keep increasing every minute. Not every movie will have a gripping storyline, and it is also difficult to commit to a long series just to arrive at an unsatisfying ending. Imagine the surprise when you are handed all of these on a silver platter. Ullozhukku ticks all these boxes.
Stereotypes, while evident in Malayali cinema, do not fully characterize its genre. The movies have come a long way from overused CGI and unbelievable plot lines, to depict a psychological turmoil which often remains under represented. More noticeably, the female lead taking up the central domain is a barrier, that, in recent times, has been conquered as a need of the times. To top this, the film introduces two astute leading ladies, removed in terms of situations, yet experiencing similar emotions.
Gone are the days when the classic saas-bahu rivalry would create an imaginary rift between well functioning families, the emotional bond connecting Anju and Leelamma in Ullozhukku can be regarded as one of the most unmatched pairings in South Indian cinema. Does being right to yourself also mean being right in the eye of public? The film toes the thin line established between the two, contesting a grey area where even the audience is lost within the plot structure.
In an interview with Onmanorama, Director Christo Tomy had said,”There were many times when I struggled to grasp the essence of Anju and Leelamma because they are characters caught in extraordinary circumstances.” The film’s aesthetic and thematic richness is further underscored by the persistent rain, which pauses only to allow for further exploration of its plot. For a different take on what inspired the making of the makeshift flood that made its way into the film, you can also read here.
As a matter of importance, Ullozhukku focus on the mundane and daily. Insignificant happenings and how they can turn into bigger issues, is all covered by the film. Times of India has especially focused on the performance delivered by Urvashi, commenting,” Urvashi is phenomenal as Leelamma, who is not only grieving for her ailing son and memories of a happier life, but also someone feeling defiant in the face of betrayal.”
Ullozhukku transcends the level of the mundane to become something that is universal in its appeal and sincere in its storytelling capacity. The cinematography is truly a treat for the eyes and what more can one need from a new ‘trailblazing’ masterpiece.
